Maternity Care Quality Scores

Our quality measures illustrate how well we're doing and where we need to improve. To help you make an informed decision about your healthcare, we've provided our quality scores below.

The Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has identified several clinical measures that are important indicators of quality of care. The New York State Department of Health tracks similar data.  

Sources: 2017 Catholic Health quality scores and 2016 Regional Upstate NY birth certificate data from five upstate regions: WNY (Buffalo), Finger Lakes (Rochester), Central (Syracuse), NENY (Albany) and Hudson Valley (Westchester). The Regional Upstate NY birth certificate data excludes New York City as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.

Catholic Health has received many awards for excellence in healthcare. Click here to learn more about our awards.

New York State Required Maternity Information

New York State’s Maternity Information Law requires each hospital to provide information about its childbirth practices and procedures. This information can help you better understand what you can expect, learn more about your childbirth choices, and plan for your baby’s birth.

Births

Both Mercy Hospital and Sisters Hospital are equipped and staffed to deliver a high volume of babies, while providing quality care and personal attention.

Why is this Important? High volume is an important indicator of experience and quality.  

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Total Cesarean Section

A cesarean section is a procedure that is used in certain circumstances for the delivery of your baby. This is determined by your doctor. Certain risk factors and situations are taken into consideration in determining if a cesarean section is necessary.

Why is this important? Cesarean section has been identified as a procedure with long-term impacts to women, including uterine ruptures, scarring, increased risk for hysterectomies and infections at the surgical site. It has also been identified as a procedure that may be overused for the delivery of babies. This measure shows how Sisters Hospital and Mercy Hospital compare to other hospitals in NYS.  

Is a higher or lower score better? A lower score is better.

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How is this number calculated? The number of cesarean section deliveries divided by total births

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Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

A vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) may be attempted if you have had a prior delivery by cesarean section. You may be able to deliver your baby without the need to undergo another cesarean section. It is recommended that VBAC be attempted when considered appropiate. Your provider will assess your individual situation and provide you with information about VBACs, an appropriate consent and guidance to make the best decision for you.

Is a higher or lower score better? A higher score is better.

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How is this number calculated? Of all people with prior cesarean sections, this is the percentage of patients who had a successful VBAC. It is the number of successful VBAC patients divided by the number of all eligible VBAC patients.

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Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides your baby with all of the required nutrients and antibodies. It is easier for your baby to digest and helps reduce your risk for certain diseases. Breastfeeding is not for everyone. Only you can determine the what is best for you and your baby.

Sisters Hospital, Mercy Hospital, our home care agencies and primary care centrers have a combined total of nearly 40 lactation consultants to help you and your baby.  Free weekly support groups for breastfeeding are available at both Sisters Hospital and Mercy Hospital. Click here for more information.

Is a higher or lower score better? A higher score is better.

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How is this number calculated? The number of live births where the infant is fed either (1) breast milk alone or (2) both breast milk and formula divided by total births

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Episiotomy

An episiotomy is an incision to make the vaginal opening larger and allow for easier delivery of the baby. This incision will be repaired/closed after delivery. Episiotomies are usually only performed when clinically indicated by your doctor.

Is a higher or lower score better? A lower score is better.

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How is this number calculated? The number of patients who had an episiotomy and repair divided by total births

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Augmentation of Labor

Augmentation is used when contractions aren't coming frequently or forcefully enough to help move the baby down the birth canal. This is given by IV and the doctor will assess how much will need to be given in order for your body to progress for a safe delivery.

Is a higher or lower score better? A lower score is better.

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How is this number calculated? The number of births with augmentation of labor divided by total births

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Induction of Labor (Medicinal)

An induction is the artificial start of the birth process, given by an IV medicine, and is done when it is more risky for the baby to remain inside the uterus than to be delivered. There are certain risk factors and circumstances that your doctor will assess to determine if an induction is necessary.

Is a higher or lower score better? A lower score is better.

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How is this number calculated? The number of births with induction of labor (medicinal) divided by total births

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